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Rules of the Air - Updated |
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 Following discussion with
the BHPA Senior Technical Officer, Dave Thompson, it has been agreed to update
the rules governing rights of way in the air when flying in thermals. The
old Rules of the Air webpage included the following advice:
"Overtaking While
Climbing: When two gliders are sharing a thermal, the lower glider has the right
of way. The upper glider must give way to the lower glider and allow it to climb
through, as the lower glider cannot see the gliders above
it."
This advice appears to be a
hang-over from a time before paragliding developed as a sport and was
a reasonable precaution at the time. This advice does not take into account the
restricted downward view that paragliders (and sailplanes) experience and it has
been decided, in the interests of safety, to remove this outdated advice from
the Rules of the Air webpage.
All pilots should
note: The primary rule of the air still applies in this situation -
SEE AND AVOID! It
is the responsibility of all pilots to take all possible measures to avoid a
collision with another glider.
Pilots sharing a
thermal must always be mindful that other pilots in the thermal may not have
seen them or that they may be unable to manoeuvre to take avoiding action.
Pilots must always exercise caution and courtesy when flying in proximity to
other gliders.
Philip
Lardner
IHPA Training &
Flight Safety. |
